Home Heat Pump Guide

EDF Heat Pump Tariff: GoElectric Rates and Review

By Home Heat Pump Guide
Close-up of air source heat pump unit outside a UK home running on EDF GoElectric overnight tariff for lower heating costs
EDF's GoElectric tariff offers some of the cheapest overnight electricity rates in the UK — ideal for heat pump pre-heating.

EDF GoElectric delivers overnight electricity at 10-12p per kWh — less than half the standard rate. Originally designed for electric vehicle owners, this time-of-use tariff has become a strong contender for heat pump households too, particularly those with excellent insulation and large hot water cylinders that can store cheap overnight heat.

In this review, we examine EDF's GoElectric tariff in detail: current rates, how the off-peak window works, who it suits, and how it stacks up against Octopus Cosy and other dedicated heat pump tariffs.

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EDF GoElectric Explained

EDF GoElectric is a two-rate time-of-use tariff that offers significantly cheaper electricity during overnight hours. The concept is straightforward: cheap overnight rate for heavy electricity users (heat pumps, EVs), standard daytime rate for everything else.

Off-Peak Rate

~10-12p/kWh

Daytime Rate

~25-28p/kWh

Off-Peak Window

Midnight to 7am

Requirement

Smart meter

Unlike Octopus Cosy with its three daily cheap windows, GoElectric offers a single overnight block. This makes it simpler but less flexible — you need to do most of your heat pump's heavy lifting between midnight and 7am.

Smart meter display showing overnight electricity usage during EDF GoElectric off-peak window for heat pump operation
A smart meter is essential for GoElectric — it tracks exactly when you use electricity for time-of-use billing.

Current GoElectric Rates (Q1 2026)

Period Time Rate
Off-Peak Midnight to 7am ~10-12p/kWh
Daytime 7am to midnight ~25-28p/kWh

Rates vary by region and are subject to change. Check EDF's website for your postcode.

The daytime rate is slightly above the Ofgem price cap rate, which is the trade-off for getting very cheap overnight electricity. This means you need to shift a meaningful proportion of your usage to overnight hours for the tariff to save money overall.

Savings for Heat Pump Owners

Annual Heat Pump Cost: EDF GoElectric vs Standard (4,000 kWh)

Standard Flat (24.5p/kWh)
£980
EDF GoElectric (55% overnight)
£640

Saving: approximately £340/year. Assumes 55% of heat pump usage shifted to overnight off-peak window.

With 55% of heat pump usage shifted overnight, GoElectric saves around £340 per year. Homes with excellent insulation that can shift 70%+ overnight may save closer to £400.

EDF GoElectric vs Octopus Cosy

Feature EDF GoElectric Octopus Cosy
Off-peak hours 7 hours (overnight only) 9 hours (3 windows)
Off-peak rate ~10-12p/kWh ~10p/kWh
Daytime rate ~25-28p/kWh ~23.5p/kWh (standard)
Peak rate N/A (flat daytime) ~33p/kWh (4-7pm)
Flexibility Lower — overnight only Higher — three windows
Best for Well-insulated + EV Most heat pump homes

For most heat pump owners, Octopus Cosy is the more flexible choice. But GoElectric has the edge if you also own an electric vehicle (double benefit from cheap overnight charging) or if your home is well-insulated enough to store a full night's worth of heat.

Well-insulated UK detached home ideal for EDF GoElectric tariff where overnight heat pump pre-heating lasts all day
GoElectric works best in well-insulated homes that can store overnight heat through the following day.

Who Does GoElectric Suit?

  • Homes with excellent insulation: If your home holds heat for 8+ hours after the heat pump switches off, overnight pre-heating is sufficient
  • Large hot water cylinders: A 250L+ cylinder heated overnight provides hot water all day without daytime reheating
  • EV owners: The overnight rate benefits both your heat pump and your electric vehicle charging
  • Homes with solar panels: Solar covers daytime electricity, GoElectric covers overnight — minimal grid costs

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How to Switch to EDF GoElectric

  1. Visit the EDF website and enter your postcode for a quote
  2. Select the GoElectric tariff
  3. If you are with another supplier, EDF handles the switch (2-3 weeks)
  4. Ensure you have a smart meter — if not, EDF will arrange installation
  5. Set up your heat pump schedule to maximise overnight operation

For a full comparison of all UK heat pump tariffs, see our best heat pump tariff guide and detailed tariff comparison table.

UK home exterior in winter where EDF GoElectric overnight tariff provides cheapest heat pump electricity rates
GoElectric's overnight rates deliver the biggest savings during winter when heat pump demand peaks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is EDF GoElectric available for heat pump owners?

Yes, EDF GoElectric is available to any household with a smart meter. While it was designed with EV owners in mind, the cheap overnight rate benefits heat pump owners who can schedule heating during off-peak hours.

How does EDF GoElectric compare to Octopus Cosy?

EDF GoElectric offers a single overnight off-peak window with competitive rates (10-12p/kWh), while Octopus Cosy offers three off-peak windows at around 10p/kWh. Cosy is more flexible; GoElectric may suit homes with excellent insulation.

Do I need an electric vehicle for EDF GoElectric?

No, despite the name, EDF GoElectric is available to households without an electric vehicle. A smart meter is the main requirement.

What are EDF's off-peak hours for GoElectric?

The off-peak window is typically midnight to 7am, giving you 7 hours of cheap electricity per night. Exact times may vary slightly by region.

Can I combine EDF GoElectric with solar panels?

Yes, and this is an excellent combination. Solar panels generate free daytime electricity while GoElectric provides cheap overnight rates for your heat pump. EDF also offers export tariffs for surplus solar generation.

EDF and UK Electricity Decarbonisation

EDF's GoElectric tariff reflects the growing recognition that high-electricity households — those with heat pumps, EVs, and solar panels — need pricing structures that reward flexible consumption. As the UK grid becomes increasingly powered by renewable energy, overnight electricity prices naturally fall when wind generation exceeds demand. Tariffs like GoElectric pass these savings to consumers while encouraging consumption patterns that support grid stability. Combined with proper home insulation and smart heat pump installation, the right tariff can make electric heating genuinely cheaper than gas.